Why is Social and Emotional development so important?
A child’s social and emotional development has significant implications for current and later social functioning, for educational, and employment success. If emotional development is fostered at a young age, children are more likely to settle well into school, work co-operatively, confidently and independently and to behave appropriately. A child with poor social and emotional development is at risk of poor relationships with peers, academic problems, of later involvement in crime, of developing physical health and adult mental health problems.
Key to social and emotional development is the child’s early relationship with parents/caregivers. Efforts to support parents in understanding and fulfilling their children’s emotional needs can help to provide a secure base from which to grow into well-rounded, capable adults with robust mental health.